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The following steps were taken as part of the comprehensive restoration:
- All electrolytic capacitors present in any preamp cards and both PSU's were replaced with top of line modern replacements. The console has 2 power supplies with each feeding half the channels so that the console could remain operational if one went down during broadcast. The PSU can caps were lovingly removed, opened up and restuffed with modern replacements to preserve the look of the original components.
- The console is full of vintage Sprague signal capacitors. A few of these were selectively replaced in positions where the values had drifted to the point of audibly affecting preamp performance. If the buyer is looking for lowest possible noise and closer matching across channels they could go through and replace more of these, but the vast majority were preserved to keep it as original as possible.
- The channel preamp performance is heavily dependent on the quality of the 12AY7 tubes that are installed in each position. As part of the restoration, I went through all the originals and over 20 more to find the best possible arrangement for low noise, excellent tone and reasonable matching across channels.
- Direct outs have been added to preamp channels 1-5 as well as the Program/Talkback amp, which is otherwise unused in the traditional 9x2 configuration. So that's a total of 6 individual preamps that can be used for tracking. Outputs were balanced using vintage Triad transformers.
- When I received the console, the exterior paint was in pretty rough shape. As part of the restoration, the electronics were completely removed and the entire case and back cover were professionally refinished with a beautiful dark gray enamel. When possible I like to leave things original, but in this case the unit really shines with the new finish.
- All input, outputs and power have been wired to DB25 connectors on the back of the unit. On the original console every input has a switch allowing you to choose between 2 input signals to feed each channel. Channels 1-5 are higher gain mic preamps. Consequently, I wired a 40dB pad on Input A for each of these allowing that to receive a line level input while Input B is designed to receive a mic level input. All other channels rely on their Input A to deliver line level signal to the preamp. From there, the output of each channel can be routed to output Bus 1 or 2 whose levels are controlled by their respective Sub Master knobs in the center of the console. The overall output level coming from Line Amp outputs 1 and 2 is controlled by the Stereo Master knob to the right of the Ch. 2 VU.
The connectors on the rear provide the following connections:
DB25 1 Inputs (From right to left)
1 Ch. 1 Line Input 2 Ch. 1 Mic Input 3 Ch. 2 Line Input 4 Ch. 2 Mic Input 5 Ch. 3 Line Input 6 Ch. 3 Mic Input 7 Ch. 4 Line Input 8 Ch. 4 Mic Input
DB25 2 Inputs
1 Ch. 5 Line Input 2 Ch. 5 Mic Input 3 Rec 1 (Tape 1) Line Input 4 Rec 2 (Tape 2) Line Input 5 Remote Line Input 6 Network Line Input 7 Program/Talkback Line Input (For Direct Out preamp, does not feed into mix bus) 8 Unused
DB25 3 Outputs
1 Master Ch. 1 Line Output 2 Master Ch. 2 Line Output 3 Ch. 1 Direct Out 4 Ch. 2 Direct Out 5 Ch. 3 Direct Out 6 Ch. 4 Direct Out 7 Ch. 5 Direct Out 8 Program/Talkback Direct Out
There are two monitor (loudspeaker) amps included in the unit for traditional studio monitoring functions. These were recapped but not wired up to the DB25 connectors as they have little use in a modern studio environment and to avoid accidentally connecting them up to a line level input. Based on my experience with the console, I would recommend pulling the tubes on these Monitor amps to avoid excessive heat and PSU draw. There's a total of 4 6V6's in there that have nothing to do with the Line Mixer or direct out functions.
I've spent a lot of time with this console and could answer any questions you have rather than continuing to write an essay about the various features and functions. I can also forward a pdf copy of the manual and schematics to anyone interested. Overall, it sounds beautiful with an unmistakably vintage RCA tone.
This item will need to be picked up by the buyer or by a shipper they hire. It is available for anyone who wants to check it out locally, but I cannot be responsible for the transportation of this monster piece of gear. Thus far, I've had good luck with UShip transporting similar pieces cross-country.
So please disregard any shipping quotes here on eBay. The buyer will need to arrange for shipping cost and pickup.
Let me know if you have any questions and check out my other vintage pro audio listings. Thanks
The following steps were taken as part of the comprehensive restoration:
- All electrolytic capacitors present in any preamp cards and both PSU's were replaced with top of line modern replacements. The console has 2 power supplies with each feeding half the channels so that the console could remain operational if one went down during broadcast. The PSU can caps were lovingly removed, opened up and restuffed with modern replacements to preserve the look of the original components.
- The console is full of vintage Sprague signal capacitors. A few of these were selectively replaced in positions where the values had drifted to the point of audibly affecting preamp performance. If the buyer is looking for lowest possible noise and closer matching across channels they could go through and replace more of these, but the vast majority were preserved to keep it as original as possible.
- The channel preamp performance is heavily dependent on the quality of the 12AY7 tubes that are installed in each position. As part of the restoration, I went through all the originals and over 20 more to find the best possible arrangement for low noise, excellent tone and reasonable matching across channels.
- Direct outs have been added to preamp channels 1-5 as well as the Program/Talkback amp, which is otherwise unused in the traditional 9x2 configuration. So that's a total of 6 individual preamps that can be used for tracking. Outputs were balanced using vintage Triad transformers.
- When I received the console, the exterior paint was in pretty rough shape. As part of the restoration, the electronics were completely removed and the entire case and back cover were professionally refinished with a beautiful dark gray enamel. When possible I like to leave things original, but in this case the unit really shines with the new finish.
- All input, outputs and power have been wired to DB25 connectors on the back of the unit. On the original console every input has a switch allowing you to choose between 2 input signals to feed each channel. Channels 1-5 are higher gain mic preamps. Consequently, I wired a 40dB pad on Input A for each of these allowing that to receive a line level input while Input B is designed to receive a mic level input. All other channels rely on their Input A to deliver line level signal to the preamp. From there, the output of each channel can be routed to output Bus 1 or 2 whose levels are controlled by their respective Sub Master knobs in the center of the console. The overall output level coming from Line Amp outputs 1 and 2 is controlled by the Stereo Master knob to the right of the Ch. 2 VU.
The connectors on the rear provide the following connections:
DB25 1 Inputs (From right to left)
1 Ch. 1 Line Input 2 Ch. 1 Mic Input 3 Ch. 2 Line Input 4 Ch. 2 Mic Input 5 Ch. 3 Line Input 6 Ch. 3 Mic Input 7 Ch. 4 Line Input 8 Ch. 4 Mic Input
DB25 2 Inputs
1 Ch. 5 Line Input 2 Ch. 5 Mic Input 3 Rec 1 (Tape 1) Line Input 4 Rec 2 (Tape 2) Line Input 5 Remote Line Input 6 Network Line Input 7 Program/Talkback Line Input (For Direct Out preamp, does not feed into mix bus) 8 Unused
DB25 3 Outputs
1 Master Ch. 1 Line Output 2 Master Ch. 2 Line Output 3 Ch. 1 Direct Out 4 Ch. 2 Direct Out 5 Ch. 3 Direct Out 6 Ch. 4 Direct Out 7 Ch. 5 Direct Out 8 Program/Talkback Direct Out
There are two monitor (loudspeaker) amps included in the unit for traditional studio monitoring functions. These were recapped but not wired up to the DB25 connectors as they have little use in a modern studio environment and to avoid accidentally connecting them up to a line level input. Based on my experience with the console, I would recommend pulling the tubes on these Monitor amps to avoid excessive heat and PSU draw. There's a total of 4 6V6's in there that have nothing to do with the Line Mixer or direct out functions.
I've spent a lot of time with this console and could answer any questions you have rather than continuing to write an essay about the various features and functions. I can also forward a pdf copy of the manual and schematics to anyone interested. Overall, it sounds beautiful with an unmistakably vintage RCA tone.
This item will need to be picked up by the buyer or by a shipper they hire. It is available for anyone who wants to check it out locally, but I cannot be responsible for the transportation of this monster piece of gear. Thus far, I've had good luck with UShip transporting similar pieces cross-country.
So please disregard any shipping quotes here on eBay. The buyer will need to arrange for shipping cost and pickup.
Let me know if you have any questions and check out my other vintage pro audio listings. Thanks
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Listed | 6 years ago |
Condition | Excellent (Used) Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more |
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